Fireworks permits required in West Shore communities

(The originally posted story has been changed, with correct information added)

Enjoy fireworks on Halloween?

A Fireworks Safety Course is coming to West Shore residents interested in participating in the annual Halloween tradition.

“If you are going to be doing it, definitely take the fireworks safety course,” said Metchosin Fire chief Stephanie Dunlop. “And please be considerate of animals, they get terribly distraught of the sound of fireworks and every year we have stray dogs that get lost because they freak out.”

Completion of the free course is a requirement for those wishing to obtain a permit for the possession or discharge of fireworks. While certification gained from the course is good for three years, fireworks permits are only valid on Halloween (Oct. 31) from 5 to 10 p.m. in View Royal, Highlands, Colwood and Langford.

Permits are available for purchase at Langford, Colwood and Highlands municipal halls as well as the View Royal Public Safety building. Issuance of fireworks permits is contingent on current fire conditions.

The final course before Halloween happens at Colwood City Hall on 3300 Wishart Rd. on Oct. 27 at 7 p.m.